Group communication and service optimization system

ABSTRACT

A method for optimizing group communication services, the method comprising instantiating an adaptive homing tool as a virtual network function, the adaptive homing tool communicating with a centralized database in a multiple region telecommunications network; storing a user identification for plural group members in the database; when a service request is made by at least one group member that has moved outside of connectivity with a group home server, receiving group member location data for the plural group members in real time; assigning a group control application server to at least one group member when a group member initiates a service request; wherein the common service tool assigns the group application control server based on at least one of the priority data, group member location data, least network resources used, best path performance, shortest path performance, and quality of service.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to telecommunications networks, and moreparticularly to distributed group communications. Most particularly, thedisclosure relates to a distributed group communications optimizationsystem provides group communication in a distributed operation mode tocontrol routing for network usages and service performance.

BACKGROUND

In existing group communication solutions, all the users in the groupare statically assigned a “home” server. The group home server providesthe control and group call services. All the group user mediaconnections are connected to the group home server. The real time userstatus and location is unknown to the system except the home server.Thus, a service request (e.g. authentication, group voice call) from theuser or to the user will have to be sent to the assigned home serverregardless of the user, service, or destination location. If a user isnot found in the current region, a query to the DBs of different regionsshall be performed.

When the group user devices are distributed and/or moving, inefficiencycan happen. For example, the signaling and media can take longer paththan necessary to reach the server, or could be routed circularly in thenetwork causing use of more network resources than necessary, and/orimpacting service performance such as latency. The examples within thisdisclosure address one or more of these problems.

SUMMARY

One example provided generally relates to a method for optimizing anadaptive homing tool as a virtual network function in a distributedgroup communication system, the adaptive homing tool communicating witha centralized database in a multiple region telecommunications network,storing a user identification for plural group members in the database,when a service request is made by at least one group member that hasmoved outside of connectivity with a group home server, receiving groupmember location data for the plural group members in real time,assigning a group control application server to at least one groupmember when a group member initiates a service request, wherein thecommon service tool assigns the group application control server basedon at least one of the priority data, group member location data, leastnetwork resources used, best path performance, shortest pathperformance, and quality of service.

Another example includes a network device comprising a process, a memorycoupled with the processor, and an input/output device, the memorycomprising executable instructions that when executed by the processorcause the processor to effectuate operations comprising instantiating anadaptive homing tool as a virtual network function, the adaptive homingtool communicating with a centralized database in a multiple regiontelecommunications network, storing a user identification for pluralgroup members in the database, when a service request is made by atleast one group member that has moved outside of connectivity with agroup home server, receiving group member location data for the pluralgroup members in real time, assigning a group control application serverto at least one group member when a group member initiates a servicerequest; wherein the common service tool assigns the group applicationcontrol server based on at least one of the priority data, group memberlocation data, least network resources used, best path performance,shortest path performance, and quality of service.

Still another example includes a global communications optimizationsystem comprising a multiple region telecommunications network includingplural application servers, at least one user device assigned to agroup, the group being associated with a home server that is one of theplural application servers based on a static geographic location for thegroup, a central database connected to the plural applications serversconfigured to store a user device information including at least one ofa user location and service information wherein the plural applicationservers are configured to report user location information to thecentral database in real time, an adaptive homing tool communicatingwith the central database, the adaptive homing tool configured to assigna group control server for at least one user device when the real timeuser information indicates that the at least one device is associatedwith one of the plural application servers other than the home server.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding ofthe variations in implementing the disclosed technology. However, theinstant disclosure may take many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the examples set forth herein. Where practical,like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1A is a representation of an exemplary network.

FIG. 1B is a representation of an exemplary hardware platform.

FIG. 2 is a representation of a distributed group communication systemaccording to one example.

FIG. 2A is a representation of a distributed group communication systemaccording to another example.

FIG. 2B is a representation of a distributed group communication systemaccording to another example.

FIG. 2C is a representation of a distributed group communication systemaccording to another example.

FIG. 2D is a representation of a distributed group communication systemaccording to another example.

FIG. 2E is a flow diagram schematically depicting operations for adistributed group communication system according to an example.

FIG. 3 is a representation of a network device according to an example.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary communication system that provide wirelesstelecommunication services over wireless communication networks that maybe at least partially implemented as an SDN.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system.

FIG. 6 is a representation of a telecommunications network.

FIG. 7 is a representation of a core network.

FIG. 8 is a representation packet-based mobile cellular networkenvironment.

FIG. 9 is a representation of a GPRS network.

FIG. 10 is a representation a PLMN architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A distributed group communication optimization system for multi-mediaprovides a variety of functions including subscriber informationmanagement, user group management for static and dynamic groups, userauthentication, user service management and others described morecompletely below. To address the reality of large telecommunicationsnetworks that span diverse geographic area, a group communication systemthat offers distributed operation is described in the followingexamples. The group communication system is generally indicated by thenumber 200 in the accompanying drawings, and described more completelybelow. The system 200 incorporates may be incorporated in a wirelessnetwork, software defined network or other network including those inthe examples depicted in FIGS. 4-10 that support telecommunications. Asdiscussed more completely below, system 200 may be instantiated as oneor more network device, as a virtual machine, or a virtual networkfunction on a network.

FIG. 1A is a representation of an exemplary network 100. Network 100 maycomprise a virtualized network—that is, network 100 may include one ormore virtualized functions implemented on general purpose hardware, suchas in lieu of having dedicated hardware for every network function.General purpose hardware of network 100 may be configured to run virtualnetwork elements to support communication services, such as mobilityservices, including consumer services and enterprise services. Theseservices may be provided or measured in sessions.

A virtual network function(s) (VNF) 102 may be able to support a limitednumber of sessions. Each VNF 102 may have a VNF type that indicates itsfunctionality or role. For example, FIG. 1A illustrates a gateway VNF102 a and a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) VNF 102 b.Additionally or alternatively, VNFs 102 may include other types of VNFsincluding but not limited to security, routing, wide area network (WAN)optimization and others within a service providers virtual networkofferings. According to the example, VNF 102 may estimate a buffercondition as described more completely below.

Each VNF 102 may use one or more virtual machine (VM) 104 to operate.Each VM 104 may have a VM type that indicates its functionality or role.For example, FIG. 1A illustrates an application server (AS) VM 104 a anda database (DB) VM 104 b that are accessible by a user device via agateway and communication VNFs shown. Additionally or alternatively, VM104 may include other types of VMs. Each VM 104 may consume variousnetwork resources from a hardware platform 106, such as a resource 108,a virtual central processing unit (vCPU) 108 a, memory 108 b, or anetwork interface card (NIC) 108 c. Additionally or alternatively,hardware platform 106 may include other types of resources 108.

While FIG. 1A illustrates resources 108 as collectively contained inhardware platform 106, the configuration of hardware platform 106 mayisolate, for example, certain memory 108 c from other memory 108 a. FIG.1B provides an exemplary implementation of hardware platform 106.

Hardware platform 106 may comprise one or more chasses 110. Chassis 110may refer to the physical housing or platform for multiple servers orother network equipment. In an aspect, chassis 110 may also refer to theunderlying network equipment. Chassis 110 may include one or moreservers 112. Server 112 may comprise general purpose computer hardwareor a computer. In an aspect, chassis 110 may comprise a metal rack, andservers 112 of chassis 110 may comprise blade servers that arephysically mounted in or on chassis 110.

Each server 112 may include one or more network resources 108, asillustrated. Servers 112 may be communicatively coupled together in anycombination or arrangement. For example, all servers 112 within a givenchassis 110 may be communicatively coupled. As another example, servers112 in different chasses 110 may be communicatively coupled.Additionally or alternatively, chasses 110 may be communicativelycoupled together in any combination or arrangement.

The characteristics of each chassis 110 and each server 112 may differ.For example, FIG. 1B illustrates that the number of servers 112 withintwo chasses 110 may vary. Additionally or alternatively, the type ornumber of resources 110 within each server 112 may vary. In an aspect,chassis 110 may be used to group servers 112 with the same resourcecharacteristics. In another aspect, servers 112 within the same chassis110 may have different resource characteristics.

FIG. 2 shows one example of a group communication system. This systemstatically assigns users to a home server. The home server provides thecontrol and group call services, and all media connections are routedthrough the group home server. In this system, the real time user statusand location is unknown to the system. Therefore, authentication,service requests and other functions have to be sent to the user's homeserver regardless of the location of the user, service, or destination.If the user is not found, a query is sent to databases in differentregions until the user is located (as shown by arrows). When the user ismoving between regions, this can cause the system to rout signalscircularly within the network or engage more network resources than arenecessary making the system inefficient and increasing latency.

With reference to FIG. 2A, a representation of a group communicationsystem according to an example is generally indicated by the number 200.Group communication system 200 is associated with a telecommunicationsnetwork having multiple regions such as the networks shown in theexamples discussed below and depicted in FIGS. 4-10. In general groupcommunication system 200 may provide high level functions including butnot limited to at least one of subscriber information management anduser groups management for static and dynamic user groups; userauthentication and service authorization management; user service statusmanagement, such as, if a user is active in the system, user's locationand services enabled, etc.; group multi-media service control androuting; allow a user in the system to initiate a service request to anyuser in the system, regardless their current geographic locations; allowa user to be able to travel in the network and initiate service requestsanywhere to any user in the system; and integration with existingnetwork for all network services, business and operational support,System 200 includes an adaptive homing tool, generally indicated at 240,to dynamically assign a home application server to a mobile device orother device that is no longer within its normal home network, asdescribed more completely below. Adaptive homing tool 240 may beinstantiated as a virtual network function or network device.

Group communication system 200 may include multiple application servers,generally indicated by the number 210 in the drawings, installed indifferent regions within a network 100. For example, a first applicationserver 211 may be located in a first geographic location 215 and asecond application server 212 may be located in a second geographiclocation 216. System 200 may include a central database 220 incommunication with the application server 210. Central database 220 maymanage user subscription and authorized services, such as storing alisting of the services for which a user subscribed and groups to whichthe user belongs; group information and management; common servicefunctions that manage user information; authentication and serviceauthentication; service control functions for handling service requests;control logic to complete service requests; business and operationsupport functions; and supporting signaling functions and call routing.A user within the group may have one or more user device(s), generallyindicated by the letter M. With continued reference to FIG. 2A, allgroup information is provisioned in a central database 220 with the homeregion for a group set for reference information. The applicationserver(s) 210 to which the user device M is connected reports currentlocation and/or status information to the central databased 220. Anyapplication server 210 in system 200 may access user information forsubscription services, groups, current status and location via centraldatabase 220. User service requests can be handled by any applicationserver 210 in system 200 for initial processing. After initialprocessing, system 200 may route the service request based on routefactors including but not limited to the closest application server touser's location, user's priority, quality of service (QoS) requirements,best performance, shortest path, the type of call or service request,most efficient use of resources including the least busy server, standbyor redundant servers, newly initiated server, and the like. Optionally,additional processing may occur after the initial processing, todetermine a user's eligibility and route the service request to aselected server for origination and destination processing. Thisadditional processing step may be omitted if the initial processing isadequate and conditions have not changed to require the additionalprocessing.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, a first user M1 in a first area 201may call a second user M2 in a second area 202. In the example, user M2is moving and is outside of the user's normal home region. The secondapplication server 212, where second user M2 is located, is assigned forservice handling. First server 211 acquires the called party (M2)location in central database 220, and identifies second applicationserver 212 as handling the called user's service at that time.

In another example, a visiting user is attached to the network in avisited area, and registers with the local application server. Hisstatus and current location is reported to the central user database210. If the user is assigned to one or more local group(s), hisoriginating and terminating service requests can be handled by any ofthe following logics, such as, the local application server, the user'spriority/ranking, shortest media path, the type of the call (voice,video, data, group, etc.) or the least busy application server, serviceperformance impact. If the visiting user is calling to a remote user orgroup not in his visiting area, the call can be handled by the local orthe remote application server, depending on the network policies,routing efficiency and service performance impacts.

With reference to FIG. 2B, system 200 executes adaptive homing for agroup service to determine the media bearer connection while attemptingto minimize latency. In the example, mobile devices M1,M2,M3 arenormally within a home site (hSite) mobility network. Devices M1,M2,M3are assigned the collocated group services home server hAS. When M1moves to a visiting network vSite with a visiting application servervAS, both vAS and hAS share a common database 220. In the example amajority of the group devices have not moved, therefore, the group homeserver hAS is unchanged. Connections for group calls among devices areindicated at L2,L3 show the bearer connections needed if the groupserver is changed to vAS (routing to vAS).

Media links Po,H,L are shown. Po latency is small and remain unchangedbetween the server and site for each mobile device. Media links H and Lare between different locations with greater latency as provided inTable 1.

TABLE 1 Connectivity M1-M2 M1-M3 M2-M3 Orig. Home hAS H1 + Po H1 + PoPo + Po New Home vAS L2 + Po L3 + Po L2 + L3

With reference to FIG. 2C, an example is shown where a majority of thegroup members have moved to a visiting location. In this example, thevisiting location is reassigned as a new home for all group members. Inparticular, mobile devices M1,M2,M3 are normally within a home mobilitynetwork hSite and assigned to a collocated home server hAS. As depictedby arrow 205 devices M1,M2,M3 move within a visiting network vSitehaving a visiting server vAS. Both servers vAS and hAS have a commondatabase 220 storing user profiles and location information for eachdevice M1,M2,M3. System 200 dynamically reassigns vAS as the home serverfor group. In the figure, connections for group calls if the home serveris not dynamically changed are shown with dashed lines. With referenceto Table 2 below, latency for Po is small as the site and AS arecollocated after reassignment. The latencies for links L are greaterthan Po. The links L, therefore, consume more resources.

TABLE 2 Connectivity M1-M2 M1-M3 M2-M3 Orig. Home hAS L1 + L2 L1 + L3L2 + L3 New Home vAS Po + Po Po + Po Po + Po

With reference to FIG. 2D, an example where various group members aredistributed in multiple locations is shown. System 200 assigns devicesM1,M2,M3 to a different home server based on factors described abovewith a view toward minimizing latency. In the example, all of thedevices M1,M2,M3 are outside of their normal network location. In theexample, first device M1 is within a first network Site1 having a firstapplication server 211; second device M2 is within a second networkSite2 having a second application server 212; and third device M3 iswithin a third network Site3 having a third application server 213. Thefirst, second and third application servers are connected at S1,S2,S3 toa common database 220. As described in other examples, common database220 may store user profiles and location information accessible to eachapplication server 211,212,213.

An adaptive homing tool 240 in a group service may perform operations tooptimize a connection based on factors described above with an eyetowards minimizing latency as described herein. The adaptive homing usesreal time user information data when the user device has moved outsidethe default or initial home server assigned to the group. Based on thereal time user information, adaptive homing tool 240 assigns a groupcontrol application server to act as a new home server for one or moreusers within group. In one example, assuming a group of N users forgroup communication call service are distributed in m Geographiclocations/areas each with an (available, non overloaded) applicationserver ASi and a number of users Pi in the group (i=1, 2, , , , m; sumPi=N).

The transport link latency between ASi and ASj is Ltij, which isproportional to the link length between AS i and AS j. Total connectionlatency of ASi for 1 user on ASi to reach (communicate with) all otherAS's is expressed as:TL _(i)=Σ_(j=1(≠i)) ^(m) Lt(i,j)

And the group control application server AS is selected asGroup control AS=AS _(k) with min{Σ_(j=1(≠k)) ^(m) TL(j)*P(j)},(k=1, , ,,m)

The Group control AS chosen according to these operations will result inthe least total latency and network link resource usage for group callservices. The formulation for group control AS determination is good forboth single and multiple thread processing. It can be done, as anexample by the centralized common service functions with the centralizedDB as shown in the improved group communication system diagram FIG. 2A.According to the example in FIG. 2D, latency values for the connectionsbetween M1-M2, M1-M3 and M2-M3 when assigning the three applicationservers 211,212,213 as a dynamically assigned home server show differentlatency values. In the example, according to the latency value, system200 assigns first application server 211 (AS1) as the home server forthe group.

TABLE 3 Connectivity M1-M2 M1-M3 M2-M3 Total AS1 as home 20 30 20 + 30100 AS2 as home 20 20 + 40 40 120 AS3 as home 20 + 40 30 40 130

With reference to FIG. 2E, system 200 may effectuate operationsgenerally indicated by the number 250 to perform auto homing. To theextent that a common database 220 has not been instantiated andconnected to plural application servers supporting group devices, theoperations 250 may include instantiating a common database at 251 andconnecting it to the plural application servers at 252. The commondatabase stores group user device information at 253. Applicationservers 210 report the real-time user device information to commondatabase at 254. System 200 via adaptive homing tool 240 or via database220 monitors the group user locations at 255. When users in the groupmove, system 200 performs adaptive homing at 260 as described above. Forexample, adaptive homing may consider routing factors including but notlimited to: user/group priority, Quality of Service requirement,available application servers in network, location of the user and ASservers, signaling and media routing efficiency, service performancerequirements, network and transport equipment status and load situationand the like. Adaptive homing 260 also incorporates the real time userstatus and location information from central database 220 to dynamicallyassign a home application server at 262. The assignment of a homeapplication server may include a determination of relative latency foreach possible server location at 264. In the examples, the serverlocation offering the lowest latency may be assigned as a home serverbased on movement of one or more users within a group to another serverlocation at 265.

As described above, system 200 and its components adaptive homing tool240 may be instantiated as a network device. FIG. 3. illustrates afunctional block diagram depicting one example of a network device,generally indicated at 300. Network device 300 may comprise a processor302 and a memory 304 coupled to processor 302. Memory 304 may containexecutable instructions that, when executed by processor 302, causeprocessor 302 to effectuate operations associated with groupcommunication as described above. As evident from the descriptionherein, network device 300 is not to be construed as software per se.

In addition to processor 302 and memory 304, network device 300 mayinclude an input/output system 306. Processor 302, memory 304, andinput/output system 306 may be coupled together to allow communicationsbetween them. Each portion of network device 300 may comprise circuitryfor performing functions associated with each respective portion. Thus,each portion may comprise hardware, or a combination of hardware andsoftware. Accordingly, each portion of network device 300 is not to beconstrued as software per se. Input/output system 306 may be capable ofreceiving or providing information from or to a communications device orother network entities configured for telecommunications. For exampleinput/output system 306 may include a wireless communications (e.g.,3G/4G/GPS) card. Input/output system 306 may be capable of receiving orsending video information, audio information, control information, imageinformation, data, or any combination thereof. Input/output system 306may be capable of transferring information with network device 300. Invarious configurations, input/output system 306 may receive or provideinformation via any appropriate means, such as, for example, opticalmeans (e.g., infrared), electromagnetic means (e.g., RF, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth®, ZigBee®), acoustic means (e.g., speaker, microphone,ultrasonic receiver, ultrasonic transmitter), electrical means, or acombination thereof. In an example configuration, input/output system306 may comprise a Wi-Fi finder, a two-way GPS chipset or equivalent, orthe like, or a combination thereof. Bluetooth, infrared, NFC, and Zigbeeare generally considered short range (e.g., few centimeters to 20meters). WiFi is considered medium range (e.g., approximately 100meters).

Input/output system 306 of network device 300 also may contain acommunication connection 308 that allows network device 300 tocommunicate with other devices, network entities, or the like.Communication connection 308 may comprise communication media.Communication media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media may include wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, or wireless media such as acoustic, RF,infrared, or other wireless media. The term computer-readable media asused herein includes both storage media and communication media.Input/output system 306 also may include an input device 310 such askeyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, or touch input device.Input/output system 306 may also include an output device 312, such as adisplay, speakers, or a printer.

Processor 302 may be capable of performing functions associated withtelecommunications, such as dynamically assigning a group controlapplication server as described above. For example, processor 302 may becapable of, in conjunction with any other portion of network device 300,determining a home server or group control server based on routingfactors and latency as described above.

Memory 304 of network device 300 may comprise a storage medium having aconcrete, tangible, physical structure. As is known, a signal does nothave a concrete, tangible, physical structure. Memory 304, as well asany computer-readable storage medium described herein, is not to beconstrued as a signal. Memory 304, as well as any computer-readablestorage medium described herein, is not to be construed as a transientsignal. Memory 304, as well as any computer-readable storage mediumdescribed herein, is not to be construed as a propagating signal. Memory304, as well as any computer-readable storage medium described herein,is to be construed as an article of manufacture.

Memory 304 may store any information utilized in conjunction withtelecommunications. Depending upon the exact configuration or type ofprocessor, memory 304 may include a volatile storage 314 (such as sometypes of RAM), a nonvolatile storage 316 (such as ROM, flash memory), ora combination thereof. Memory 304 may include additional storage (e.g.,a removable storage 318 or a non-removable storage 320) including, forexample, tape, flash memory, smart cards, CD-ROM, DVD, or other opticalstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, USB-compatible memory, or any othermedium that can be used to store information and that can be accessed bynetwork device 300. Memory 304 may comprise executable instructionsthat, when executed by processor 302, cause processor 302 to effectuateoperations to perform adaptive homing and provide centralized servicevia a common data structure.

System 200 may reside within or be connected to any perform operationsdescribed above including adaptive homing. The following are examplenetworks on which system 200 may reside. For purposes of centrality,system 200 may reside within a core network shown in the variousexamples below. However, it will be understood that system 200 mayreside on any network edge router or network device providing the samefunction in connection with customer VRFs including but not limited totelecommunications networks, internet, and other networks described morecompletely below.

FIG. 4 illustrates a functional block diagram depicting one example ofan LTE-EPS network architecture 400 that may be at least partiallyimplemented as an virtualized network. Network architecture 400disclosed herein is referred to as a modified LTE-EPS architecture 400to distinguish it from a traditional LTE-EPS architecture.

An example modified LTE-EPS architecture 400 is based at least in parton standards developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP),with information available at www.3gpp.org. LTE-EPS network architecture400 may include an access network 402, a core network 404, e.g., an EPCor Common BackBone (CBB) and one or more external networks 406,sometimes referred to as PDN or peer entities. Different externalnetworks 406 can be distinguished from each other by a respectivenetwork identifier, e.g., a label according to DNS naming conventionsdescribing an access point to the PDN. Such labels can be referred to asAccess Point Names (APN). External networks 406 can include one or moretrusted and non-trusted external networks such as an internet protocol(IP) network 408, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) network 410, andother networks 412, such as a service network, a corporate network, orthe like. In an aspect, access network 402, core network 404, orexternal network 406 may include or communicate with network 100.

Access network 402 can include an LTE network architecture sometimesreferred to as Evolved Universal mobile Telecommunication systemTerrestrial Radio Access (E UTRA) and evolved UMTS Terrestrial RadioAccess Network (E-UTRAN). Broadly, access network 402 can include one ormore communication devices, commonly referred to as UE 414, and one ormore wireless access nodes, or base stations 416 a, 416 b. Duringnetwork operations, at least one base station 416 communicates directlywith UE 414. Base station 416 can be an evolved Node B (e-NodeB), withwhich UE 414 communicates over the air and wirelessly. UEs 414 caninclude, without limitation, wireless devices, e.g., satellitecommunication systems, portable digital assistants (PDAs), laptopcomputers, tablet devices and other mobile devices (e.g., cellulartelephones, smart appliances, and so on). UEs 414 can connect to eNBs416 when UE 414 is within range according to a corresponding wirelesscommunication technology. Access network 402 can also include WiFiAccess Point (AP) with 3GPP Evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG)connecting to the EPC or other types of access networks.

UE 414 generally runs one or more applications (e.g. groupcommunication) that engage in a transfer of packets between UE 414 andone or more external networks 406. Such packet transfers can include oneof downlink packet transfers from external network 406 to UE 414, uplinkpacket transfers from UE 414 to external network 406 or combinations ofuplink and downlink packet transfers. Applications can include, withoutlimitation, web browsing, VoIP, streaming media and the like. Eachapplication can pose different Quality of Service (QoS) requirements ona respective packet transfer. Different packet transfers can be servedby different bearers within core network 404, e.g., according toparameters, such as the QoS.

Core network 404 uses a concept of bearers, e.g., EPS bearers, to routepackets, e.g., IP traffic, between a particular gateway in core network404 and UE 414. A bearer refers generally to an IP packet flow with adefined QoS between the particular gateway and UE 414. Access network402, e.g., E UTRAN, and core network 404 together set up and releasebearers as required by the various applications. Bearers can beclassified in at least two different categories: (i) minimum guaranteedbit rate bearers, e.g., for applications, such as VoIP; and (ii)non-guaranteed bit rate bearers that do not require guarantee bit rate,e.g., for applications, such as web browsing.

In one embodiment, the core network 404 includes various networkentities, such as MME 418, SGW 420, Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 422,Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) 424 and PGW 426. In oneembodiment, MME 418 comprises a control node performing a controlsignaling between various equipment and devices in access network 402and core network 404. The protocols running between UE 414 and corenetwork 404 are generally known as Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocols.

For illustration purposes only, the terms MME 418, SGW 420, HSS 422 andPGW 426, and so on, can be server devices, but may be referred to in thesubject disclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood thatany form of such servers can operate in a device, system, component, orother form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It isfurther noted that these terms and other terms such as bearer pathsand/or interfaces are terms that can include features, methodologies,and/or fields that may be described in whole or in part by standardsbodies such as the 3GPP. It is further noted that some or allembodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in part modify,supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standards publishedand promulgated by 3GPP.

According to traditional implementations of LTE-EPS architectures, SGW420 routes and forwards all user data packets. SGW 420 also acts as amobility anchor for user plane operation during handovers between basestations, e.g., during a handover from first eNB 416 a to second eNB 416b as may be the result of UE 414 moving from one area of coverage, e.g.,cell, to another. SGW 420 can also terminate a downlink data path, e.g.,from external network 406 to UE 414 in an idle state, and trigger apaging operation when downlink data arrives for UE 414. SGW 420 can alsobe configured to manage and store a context for UE 414, e.g., includingone or more of parameters of the IP bearer service and network internalrouting information. In addition, SGW 420 can perform administrativefunctions, e.g., in a visited network, such as collecting informationfor charging (e.g., the volume of data sent to or received from theuser), and/or replicate user traffic, e.g., to support a lawfulinterception. SGW 420 also serves as the mobility anchor forinterworking with other 3GPP technologies such as universal mobiletelecommunication system (UMTS).

At any given time, UE 414 is generally in one of three different states:detached, idle, or active. The detached state is typically a transitorystate in which UE 414 is powered on but is engaged in a process ofsearching and registering with network 402. In the active state, UE 414is registered with access network 402 and has established a wirelessconnection, e.g., radio resource control (RRC) connection, with eNB 416.Whether UE 414 is in an active state can depend on the state of a packetdata session, and whether there is an active packet data session. In theidle state, HE 414 is generally in a power conservation state in whichUE 414 typically does not communicate packets. When UE 414 is idle, SGW420 can terminate a downlink data path, e.g., from one peer entity 406,and triggers paging of UE 414 when data arrives for UE 414. If UE 414responds to the page, SGW 420 can forward the IP packet to eNB 416 a.

HSS 422 can manage subscription-related information for a user of UE414. For example, HSS 422 can store information such as authorization ofthe user, security requirements for the user, quality of service (QoS)requirements for the user, etc. HSS 422 can also hold information aboutexternal networks 406 to which the user can connect, e.g., in the formof an APN of external networks 406. For example, MME 418 can communicatewith HSS 422 to determine if UE 414 is authorized to establish a call,e.g., a voice over IP (VoIP) call before the call is established.

PCRF 424 can perform QoS management functions and policy control. PCRF424 is responsible for policy control decision-making, as well as forcontrolling the flow-based charging functionalities in a policy controlenforcement function (PCEF), which resides in PGW 426. PCRF 424 providesthe QoS authorization, e.g., QoS class identifier and bit rates thatdecide how a certain data flow will be treated in the PCEF and ensuresthat this is in accordance with the user's subscription profile. In theExternal Networks, the other service server 412 and the IMS serviceserver 412 may connect to the PCRF 424 in the core network 404 forspecific policy and charging control via 3GPP standards Rx interface.

PGW 426 can provide connectivity between the UE 414 and one or more ofthe external networks 406. In illustrative network architecture 400, PGW426 can be responsible for IP address allocation for UE 414, as well asone or more of QoS enforcement and flow-based charging, e.g., accordingto rules from the PCRF 424. PGW 426 is also typically responsible forfiltering downlink user IP packets into the different QoS-based bearers.In at least some embodiments, such filtering can be performed based ontraffic flow templates. PGW 426 can also perform QoS enforcement, e.g.,for guaranteed bit rate bearers. PGW 426 also serves as a mobilityanchor for interworking with non-3GPP technologies such as CDMA2000.

Within access network 402 and core network 404 there may be variousbearer paths/interfaces, e.g., represented by solid lines 428 and 430.Some of the bearer paths can be referred to by a specific label. Forexample, solid line 428 can be considered an S1-U bearer and solid line432 can be considered an S5/S8 bearer according to LTE-EPS architecturestandards. Without limitation, reference to various interfaces, such asS1, X2, S5, S8, S11 refer to EPS interfaces. In some instances, suchinterface designations are combined with a suffix, e.g., a “U” or a “C”to signify whether the interface relates to a “User plane” or a “Controlplane.” In addition, the core network 404 can include various signalingbearer paths/interfaces, e.g., control plane paths/interfacesrepresented by dashed lines 430, 434, 436, and 438. Some of thesignaling bearer paths may be referred to by a specific label. Forexample, dashed line 430 can be considered as an S1-MME signalingbearer, dashed line 434 can be considered as an S11 signaling bearer anddashed line 436 can be considered as an S6a signaling bearer, e.g.,according to LTE-EPS architecture standards. The above bearer paths andsignaling bearer paths are only illustrated as examples and it should benoted that additional bearer paths and signaling bearer paths may existthat are not illustrated.

Also shown is a novel user plane path/interface, referred to as theS1-U+ interface 466. In the illustrative example, the S1-U+ user planeinterface extends between the eNB 416 a and PGW 426. Notably, S1-U+path/interface does not include SGW 420, a node that is otherwiseinstrumental in configuring and/or managing packet forwarding betweeneNB 416 a and one or more external networks 406 by way of PGW 426. Asdisclosed herein, the S1-U+ path/interface facilitates autonomouslearning of peer transport layer addresses by one or more of the networknodes to facilitate a self-configuring of the packet forwarding path. Inparticular, such self-configuring can be accomplished during handoversin most scenarios so as to reduce any extra signaling load on the S/PGWs420, 426 due to excessive handover events.

In some embodiments, PGW 426 is coupled to storage device 440, shown inphantom. Storage device 440 can be integral to one of the network nodes,such as PGW 426, for example, in the form of internal memory and/or diskdrive. It is understood that storage device 440 can include registerssuitable for storing address values. Alternatively or in addition,storage device 440 can be separate from PGW 426, for example, as anexternal hard drive, a flash drive, and/or network storage.

Storage device 440 selectively stores one or more values relevant to theforwarding of packet data. For example, storage device 440 can storeidentities and/or addresses of network entities, such as any of networknodes 418, 420, 422, 424, and 426, eNBs 416 and/or UE 414. In theillustrative example, storage device 440 includes a first storagelocation 442 and a second storage location 444. First storage location442 can be dedicated to storing a Currently Used Downlink address value442. Likewise, second storage location 444 can be dedicated to storing aDefault Downlink Forwarding address value 444. PGW 426 can read and/orwrite values into either of storage locations 442, 444, for example,managing Currently Used Downlink Forwarding address value 442 andDefault Downlink Forwarding address value 444 as disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, the Default Downlink Forwarding address for eachEPS bearer is the SGW S5-U address for each EPS Bearer. The CurrentlyUsed Downlink Forwarding address” for each EPS bearer in PGW 426 can beset every time when PGW 426 receives an uplink packet, e.g., a GTP-Uuplink packet, with a new source address for a corresponding EPS bearer.When UE 414 is in an idle state, the “Current Used Downlink Forwardingaddress” field for each EPS bearer of UE 414 can be set to a “null” orother suitable value.

In some embodiments, the Default Downlink Forwarding address is onlyupdated when PGW 426 receives a new SGW S5-U address in a predeterminedmessage or messages. For example, the Default Downlink Forwardingaddress is only updated when PGW 426 receives one of a Create SessionRequest, Modify Bearer Request and Create Bearer Response messages fromSGW 420.

As values 442, 444 can be maintained and otherwise manipulated on a perbearer basis, it is understood that the storage locations can take theform of tables, spreadsheets, lists, and/or other data structuresgenerally well understood and suitable for maintaining and/or otherwisemanipulate forwarding addresses on a per bearer basis.

It should be noted that access network 402 and core network 404 areillustrated in a simplified block diagram in FIG. 4. In other words,either or both of access network 402 and the core network 404 caninclude additional network elements that are not shown, such as variousrouters, switches and controllers. In addition, although FIG. 4illustrates only a single one of each of the various network elements,it should be noted that access network 402 and core network 404 caninclude any number of the various network elements. For example, corenetwork 404 can include a pool (i.e., more than one) of MMEs 418, SGWs420 or PGWs 426.

In the illustrative example, data traversing a network path between UE414, eNB 416 a, SGW 420, PGW 426 and external network 406 may beconsidered to constitute data transferred according to an end-to-end IPservice. However, for the present disclosure, to properly performestablishment management in LTE-EPS network architecture 400, the corenetwork, data bearer portion of the end-to-end IP service is analyzed.

An establishment may be defined herein as a connection set up requestbetween any two elements within LTE-EPS network architecture 400. Theconnection set up request may be for user data or for signaling. Afailed establishment may be defined as a connection set up request thatwas unsuccessful. A successful establishment may be defined as aconnection set up request that was successful.

In one embodiment, a data bearer portion comprises a first portion(e.g., a data radio bearer 446) between UE 414 and eNB 416 a, a secondportion (e.g., an S1 data bearer 428) between eNB 416 a and SGW 420, anda third portion (e.g., an S5/S8 bearer 432) between SGW 420 and PGW 426.Various signaling bearer portions are also illustrated in FIG. 4. Forexample, a first signaling portion (e.g., a signaling radio bearer 448)between UE 414 and eNB 416 a, and a second signaling portion (e.g., S1signaling bearer 430) between eNB 416 a and MME 418.

In at least some embodiments, the data bearer can include tunneling,e.g., IP tunneling, by which data packets can be forwarded in anencapsulated manner, between tunnel endpoints. Tunnels, or tunnelconnections can be identified in one or more nodes of network 100, e.g.,by one or more of tunnel endpoint identifiers, an IP address and a userdatagram protocol port number. Within a particular tunnel connection,payloads, e.g., packet data, which may or may not include protocolrelated information, are forwarded between tunnel endpoints.

An example of first tunnel solution 450 includes a first tunnel 452 abetween two tunnel endpoints 454 a and 456 a, and a second tunnel 452 bbetween two tunnel endpoints 454 b and 456 b. In the illustrativeexample, first tunnel 452 a is established between eNB 416 a and SGW420. Accordingly, first tunnel 452 a includes a first tunnel endpoint454 a corresponding to an S1-U address of eNB 416 a (referred to hereinas the eNB S1-U address), and second tunnel endpoint 456 a correspondingto an S1-U address of SGW 420 (referred to herein as the SGW S1-Uaddress). Likewise, second tunnel 452 b includes first tunnel endpoint454 b corresponding to an S5-U address of SGW 420 (referred to herein asthe SGW S5-U address), and second tunnel endpoint 456 b corresponding toan S5-U address of PGW 426 (referred to herein as the PGW S5-U address).

In at least some embodiments, first tunnel solution 450 is referred toas a two tunnel solution, e.g., according to the GPRS Tunneling ProtocolUser Plane (GTPv1-U based), as described in 3GPP specification TS29.281, incorporated herein in its entirety. It is understood that oneor more tunnels are permitted between each set of tunnel end points. Forexample, each subscriber can have one or more tunnels, e.g., one foreach PDP context that they have active, as well as possibly havingseparate tunnels for specific connections with different quality ofservice requirements, and so on.

An example of second tunnel solution 458 includes a single or directtunnel 460 between tunnel endpoints 462 and 464. In the illustrativeexample, direct tunnel 460 is established between eNB 416 a and PGW 426,without subjecting packet transfers to processing related to SGW 420.Accordingly, direct tunnel 460 includes first tunnel endpoint 462corresponding to the eNB S1-U address, and second tunnel endpoint 464corresponding to the PGW S5-U address. Packet data received at eitherend can be encapsulated into a payload and directed to the correspondingaddress of the other end of the tunnel. Such direct tunneling avoidsprocessing, e.g., by SGW 420 that would otherwise relay packets betweenthe same two endpoints, e.g., according to a protocol, such as the GTP-Uprotocol.

In some scenarios, direct tunneling solution 458 can forward user planedata packets between eNB 416 a and PGW 426, by way of SGW 420. That is,SGW 420 can serve a relay function, by relaying packets between twotunnel endpoints 416 a, 426. In other scenarios, direct tunnelingsolution 458 can forward user data packets between eNB 416 a and PGW426, by way of the S1 U+ interface, thereby bypassing SGW 420.

Generally, UE 414 can have one or more bearers at any one time. Thenumber and types of bearers can depend on applications, defaultrequirements, and so on. It is understood that the techniques disclosedherein, including the configuration, management and use of varioustunnel solutions 450, 458, can be applied to the bearers on anindividual bases. That is, if user data packets of one bearer, say abearer associated with a VoIP service of UE 414, then the forwarding ofall packets of that bearer are handled in a similar manner. Continuingwith this example, the same UE 414 can have another bearer associatedwith it through the same eNB 416 a. This other bearer, for example, canbe associated with a relatively low rate data session forwarding userdata packets through core network 404 simultaneously with the firstbearer. Likewise, the user data packets of the other bearer are alsohandled in a similar manner, without necessarily following a forwardingpath or solution of the first bearer. Thus, one of the bearers may beforwarded through direct tunnel 458; whereas, another one of the bearersmay be forwarded through a two-tunnel solution 450.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine inthe form of a computer system 500 within which a set of instructions,when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethods described above. One or more instances of the machine canoperate, for example, as processor 302, UE 414, eNB 416, MME 418, SGW420, HSS 422, PCRF 424, PGW 426 and other devices of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4.In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network502) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine mayoperate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in aserver-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in apeer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user computer, apersonal computer (PC), a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, adesktop computer, a control system, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. It will beunderstood that a communication device of the subject disclosureincludes broadly any electronic device that provides voice, video ordata communication. Further, while a single machine is illustrated, theterm “machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machinesthat individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein.

Computer system 500 may include a processor (or controller) 504 (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit (GPU, orboth), a main memory 506 and a static memory 508, which communicate witheach other via a bus 510. The computer system 500 may further include adisplay unit 512 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, ora solid state display). Computer system 500 may include an input device514 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 516 (e.g., a mouse), adisk drive unit 518, a signal generation device 520 (e.g., a speaker orremote control) and a network interface device 522. In distributedenvironments, the embodiments described in the subject disclosure can beadapted to utilize multiple display units 512 controlled by two or morecomputer systems 500. In this configuration, presentations described bythe subject disclosure may in part be shown in a first of display units512, while the remaining portion is presented in a second of displayunits 512.

The disk drive unit 518 may include a tangible computer-readable storagemedium 524 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g.,software 524) embodying any one or more of the methods or functionsdescribed herein, including those methods illustrated above.Instructions 524 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within main memory 506, static memory 508, or within processor 504during execution thereof by the computer system 500. Main memory 506 andprocessor 504 also may constitute tangible computer-readable storagemedia.

As shown in FIG. 6, telecommunication system 600 may include wirelesstransmit/receive units (WTRUs) 602, a RAN 604, a core network 606, apublic switched telephone network (PSTN) 608, the Internet 610, or othernetworks 612, though it will be appreciated that the disclosed examplescontemplate any number of WTRUs, base stations, networks, or networkelements. Each WTRU 602 may be any type of device configured to operateor communicate in a wireless environment. For example, a WTRU maycomprise drone 102, a mobile device, network device 300, or the like, orany combination thereof. By way of example, WTRUs 602 may be configuredto transmit or receive wireless signals and may include a UE, a mobilestation, a mobile device, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a pager, acellular telephone, a PDA, a smartphone, a laptop, a netbook, a personalcomputer, a wireless sensor, consumer electronics, or the like. WTRUs602 may be configured to transmit or receive wireless signals over anair interface 614. WTRUs 602 may be configured with the groupcommunication application(s).

Telecommunication system 600 may also include one or more base stations616. Each of base stations 616 may be any type of device configured towirelessly interface with at least one of the WTRUs 602 to facilitateaccess to one or more communication networks, such as core network 606,PTSN 608, Internet 610, or other networks 612. By way of example, basestations 616 may be a base transceiver station (BTS), a Node-B, an eNodeB, a Home Node B, a Home eNode B, a site controller, an access point(AP), a wireless router, or the like. While base stations 616 are eachdepicted as a single element, it will be appreciated that base stations616 may include any number of interconnected base stations or networkelements.

RAN 604 may include one or more base stations 616, along with othernetwork elements (not shown), such as a base station controller (BSC), aradio network controller (RNC), or relay nodes. One or more basestations 616 may be configured to transmit or receive wireless signalswithin a particular geographic region, which may be referred to as acell (not shown). The cell may further be divided into cell sectors. Forexample, the cell associated with base station 616 may be divided intothree sectors such that base station 616 may include three transceivers:one for each sector of the cell. In another example, base station 616may employ multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and,therefore, may utilize multiple transceivers for each sector of thecell.

Base stations 616 may communicate with one or more of WTRUs 602 over airinterface 614, which may be any suitable wireless communication link(e.g., RF, microwave, infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), or visiblelight). Air interface 614 may be established using any suitable radioaccess technology (RAT).

More specifically, as noted above, telecommunication system 600 may be amultiple access system and may employ one or more channel accessschemes, such as CDMA, TDMA, FDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, or the like. Forexample, base station 616 in RAN 604 and WTRUs 602 connected to RAN 604may implement a radio technology such as Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) thatmay establish air interface 614 using wideband CDMA (WCDMA). WCDMA mayinclude communication protocols, such as High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA)or Evolved HSPA (HSPA+). HSPA may include High-Speed Downlink PacketAccess (HSDPA) or High-Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA).

As another example base station 616 and WTRUs 602 that are connected toRAN 604 may implement a radio technology such as Evolved UMTSTerrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA), which may establish air interface 614using LTE or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A).

Optionally base station 616 and WTRUs 602 connected to RAN 604 mayimplement radio technologies such as IEEE 602.16 (i.e., WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX)), CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1×,CDMA2000 EV-DO, Interim Standard 2000 (IS-2000), Interim Standard 95(IS-95), Interim Standard 856 (IS-856), GSM, Enhanced Data rates for GSMEvolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE (GERAN), or the like.

Base station 616 may be a wireless router, Home Node B, Home eNode B, oraccess point, for example, and may utilize any suitable RAT forfacilitating wireless connectivity in a localized area, such as a placeof business, a home, a vehicle, a campus, or the like. For example, basestation 616 and associated WTRUs 602 may implement a radio technologysuch as IEEE 602.11 to establish a wireless local area network (WLAN).As another example, base station 616 and associated WTRUs 602 mayimplement a radio technology such as IEEE 602.15 to establish a wirelesspersonal area network (WPAN). In yet another example, base station 616and associated WTRUs 602 may utilize a cellular-based RAT (e.g., WCDMA,CDMA2000, GSM, LTE, LTE-A, etc.) to establish a picocell or femtocell.As shown in FIG. 6, base station 616 may have a direct connection toInternet 610. Thus, base station 616 may not be required to accessInternet 610 via core network 606.

RAN 604 may be in communication with core network 606, which may be anytype of network configured to provide voice, data, applications, and/orvoice over internet protocol (VoIP) services to one or more WTRUs 602.For example, core network 606 may provide call control, billingservices, mobile location-based services, pre-paid calling, Internetconnectivity, video distribution or high-level security functions, suchas user authentication. Although not shown in FIG. 6, it will beappreciated that RAN 604 or core network 606 may be in direct orindirect communication with other RANs that employ the same RAT as RAN604 or a different RAT. For example, in addition to being connected toRAN 604, which may be utilizing an E-UTRA radio technology, core network606 may also be in communication with another RAN (not shown) employinga GSM radio technology.

Core network 606 may also serve as a gateway for WTRUs 602 to accessPSTN 608, Internet 610, or other networks 612. PSTN 608 may includecircuit-switched telephone networks that provide plain old telephoneservice (POTS). For LTE core networks, core network 606 may use IMS core614 to provide access to PSTN 608. Internet 610 may include a globalsystem of interconnected computer networks or devices that use commoncommunication protocols, such as the transmission control protocol(TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), or IP in the TCP/IP internetprotocol suite. Other networks 612 may include wired or wirelesscommunications networks owned or operated by other service providers.For example, other networks 612 may include another core networkconnected to one or more RANs, which may employ the same RAT as RAN 604or a different RAT.

Some or all WTRUs 602 in telecommunication system 600 may includemulti-mode capabilities. That is, WTRUs 602 may include multipletransceivers for communicating with different wireless networks overdifferent wireless links. For example, one or more WTRUs 602 may beconfigured to communicate with base station 616, which may employ acellular-based radio technology, and with base station 616, which mayemploy an IEEE 802 radio technology.

FIG. 7 is an example system 700 including RAN 604 and core network 606.As noted above, RAN 604 may employ an E-UTRA radio technology tocommunicate with WTRUs 602 over air interface 614. RAN 604 may also bein communication with core network 606.

RAN 604 may include any number of eNode-Bs 702 while remainingconsistent with the disclosed technology. One or more eNode-Bs 702 mayinclude one or more transceivers for communicating with the WTRUs 602over air interface 614. Optionally, eNode-Bs 702 may implement MIMOtechnology. Thus, one of eNode-Bs 702, for example, may use multipleantennas to transmit wireless signals to, or receive wireless signalsfrom, one of WTRUs 602.

Each of eNode-Bs 702 may be associated with a particular cell and may beconfigured to handle radio resource management decisions, handoverdecisions, scheduling of users in the uplink or downlink, or the like.As shown in FIG. 7 eNode-Bs 702 may communicate with one another over anX2 interface.

Core network 606 shown in FIG. 7 may include a mobility managementgateway or entity (MME) 704, a serving gateway 706, or a packet datanetwork (PDN) gateway 708. While each of the foregoing elements aredepicted as part of core network 606, it will be appreciated that anyone of these elements may be owned or operated by an entity other thanthe core network operator.

MME 704 may be connected to each of eNode-Bs 702 in RAN 604 via an S1interface and may serve as a control node. For example, MME 704 may beresponsible for authenticating users of WTRUs 602, bearer activation ordeactivation, selecting a particular serving gateway during an initialattach of WTRUs 602, or the like. MME 704 may also provide a controlplane function for switching between RAN 604 and other RANs (not shown)that employ other radio technologies, such as GSM or WCDMA.

Serving gateway 706 may be connected to each of eNode-Bs 702 in RAN 604via the S1 interface. Serving gateway 706 may generally route or forwarduser data packets to or from the WTRUs 602. Serving gateway 706 may alsoperform other functions, such as anchoring user planes duringinter-eNode B handovers, triggering paging when downlink data isavailable for WTRUs 602, managing or storing contexts of WTRUs 602, orthe like.

Serving gateway 706 may also be connected to PDN gateway 708, which mayprovide WTRUs 602 with access to packet-switched networks, such asInternet 610, to facilitate communications between WTRUs 602 andIP-enabled devices.

Core network 606 may facilitate communications with other networks. Forexample, core network 606 may provide WTRUs 602 with access tocircuit-switched networks, such as PSTN 608, such as through IMS core614, to facilitate communications between WTRUs 602 and traditionalland-line communications devices. In addition, core network 606 mayprovide the WTRUs 602 with access to other networks 612, which mayinclude other wired or wireless networks that are owned or operated byother service providers.

FIG. 8 depicts an overall block diagram of an example packet-basedmobile cellular network environment, such as a GPRS network as describedherein. In the example packet-based mobile cellular network environmentshown in FIG. 8, there are a plurality of base station subsystems (BSS)800 (only one is shown), each of which comprises a base stationcontroller (BSC) 802 serving a plurality of BTSs, such as BTSs 804, 806,808. BTSs 804, 806, 808 are the access points where users ofpacket-based mobile devices become connected to the wireless network. Inexample fashion, the packet traffic originating from mobile devices istransported via an over-the-air interface to BTS 808, and from BTS 808to BSC 802. Base station subsystems, such as BSS 800, are a part ofinternal frame relay network 810 that can include a service GPRS supportnodes (SGSN), such as SGSN 812 or SGSN 814. Each SGSN 812, 814 isconnected to an internal packet network 816 through which SGSN 812, 814can route data packets to or from a plurality of gateway GPRS supportnodes (GGSN) 818, 820, 822. As illustrated, SGSN 814 and GGSNs 818, 820,822 are part of internal packet network 816. GGSNs 818, 820, 822 mainlyprovide an interface to external IP networks such as PLMN 824, corporateintranets/internets 826, or Fixed-End System (FES) or the publicInternet 828. As illustrated, subscriber corporate network 826 may beconnected to GGSN 820 via a firewall 830. PLMN 824 may be connected toGGSN 820 via a boarder gateway router (BGR) 832. A Remote AuthenticationDial-In User Service (RADIUS) server 834 may be used for callerauthentication when a user calls corporate network 826.

Generally, there may be a several cell sizes in a network, referred toas macro, micro, pico, femto or umbrella cells. The coverage area ofeach cell is different in different environments. Macro cells can beregarded as cells in which the base station antenna is installed in amast or a building above average roof top level. Micro cells are cellswhose antenna height is under average roof top level. Micro cells aretypically used in urban areas. Pico cells are small cells having adiameter of a few dozen meters. Pico cells are used mainly indoors.Femto cells have the same size as pico cells, but a smaller transportcapacity. Femto cells are used indoors, in residential or small businessenvironments. On the other hand, umbrella cells are used to covershadowed regions of smaller cells and fill in gaps in coverage betweenthose cells.

FIG. 9 illustrates an architecture of a typical GPRS network 900 asdescribed herein. The architecture depicted in FIG. 9 may be segmentedinto four groups: users 902, RAN 904, core network 906, and interconnectnetwork 908. Users 902 comprise a plurality of end users, who each mayuse one or more devices 910. Note that device 910 is referred to as amobile subscriber (MS) in the description of network shown in FIG. 9. Inan example, device 910 comprises a communications device (e.g., mobiledevice 102, mobile positioning center 116, network device 300, any ofdetected devices 500, second device 508, access device 604, accessdevice 606, access device 608, access device 610 or the like, or anycombination thereof). Radio access network 904 comprises a plurality ofBSSs such as BSS 912, which includes a BTS 914 and a BSC 916. Corenetwork 906 may include a host of various network elements. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, core network 906 may comprise MSC 918, servicecontrol point (SCP) 920, gateway MSC (GMSC) 922, SGSN 924, home locationregister (HLR) 926, authentication center (AuC) 928, domain name system(DNS) server 930, and GGSN 932. Interconnect network 908 may alsocomprise a host of various networks or other network elements. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, interconnect network 908 comprises a PSTN 934, anFES/Internet 936, a firewall 938, or a corporate network 940.

An MSC can be connected to a large number of BSCs. At MSC 918, forinstance, depending on the type of traffic, the traffic may be separatedin that voice may be sent to PSTN 934 through GMSC 922, or data may besent to SGSN 924, which then sends the data traffic to GGSN 932 forfurther forwarding.

When MSC 918 receives call traffic, for example, from BSC 916, it sendsa query to a database hosted by SCP 920, which processes the request andissues a response to MSC 918 so that it may continue call processing asappropriate.

HLR 926 is a centralized database for users to register to the GPRSnetwork. HLR 926 stores static information about the subscribers such asthe International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), subscribedservices, or a key for authenticating the subscriber. HLR 926 alsostores dynamic subscriber information such as the current location ofthe MS. Associated with HLR 926 is AuC 928, which is a database thatcontains the algorithms for authenticating subscribers and includes theassociated keys for encryption to safeguard the user input forauthentication.

In the following, depending on context, “mobile subscriber” or “MS”sometimes refers to the end user and sometimes to the actual portabledevice, such as a mobile device, used by an end user of the mobilecellular service. When a mobile subscriber turns on his or her mobiledevice, the mobile device goes through an attach process by which themobile device attaches to an SGSN of the GPRS network. In FIG. 9, whenMS 910 initiates the attach process by turning on the networkcapabilities of the mobile device, an attach request is sent by MS 910to SGSN 924. The SGSN 924 queries another SGSN, to which MS 910 wasattached before, for the identity of MS 910. Upon receiving the identityof MS 910 from the other SGSN, SGSN 924 requests more information fromMS 910. This information is used to authenticate MS 910 together withthe information provided by HLR 926. Once verified, SGSN 924 sends alocation update to HLR 926 indicating the change of location to a newSGSN, in this case SGSN 924. HLR 926 notifies the old SGSN, to which MS910 was attached before, to cancel the location process for MS 910. HLR926 then notifies SGSN 924 that the location update has been performed.At this time, SGSN 924 sends an Attach Accept message to MS 910, whichin turn sends an Attach Complete message to SGSN 924.

Next, MS 910 establishes a user session with the destination network,corporate network 940, by going through a Packet Data Protocol (PDP)activation process. Briefly, in the process, MS 910 requests access tothe Access Point Name (APN), for example, UPS.com, and SGSN 924 receivesthe activation request from MS 910. SGSN 924 then initiates a DNS queryto learn which GGSN 932 has access to the UPS.com APN. The DNS query issent to a DNS server within core network 906, such as DNS server 930,which is provisioned to map to one or more GGSNs in core network 906.Based on the APN, the mapped GGSN 932 can access requested corporatenetwork 940. SGSN 924 then sends to GGSN 932 a Create PDP ContextRequest message that contains necessary information. GGSN 932 sends aCreate PDP Context Response message to SGSN 924, which then sends anActivate PDP Context Accept message to MS 910.

Once activated, data packets of the call made by MS 910 can then gothrough RAN 904, core network 906, and interconnect network 908, in aparticular FES/Internet 936 and firewall 1038, to reach corporatenetwork 940.

FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an example PLMN architecture thatmay be replaced by a telecommunications system. In FIG. 10, solid linesmay represent user traffic signals, and dashed lines may representsupport signaling. MS 1002 is the physical equipment used by the PLMNsubscriber. For example, drone 102, network device 300, the like, or anycombination thereof may serve as MS 1002. MS 1002 may be one of, but notlimited to, a cellular telephone, a cellular telephone in combinationwith another electronic device or any other wireless mobilecommunication device.

MS 1002 may communicate wirelessly with BSS 1004. BSS 1004 contains BSC1006 and a BTS 1008. BSS 1004 may include a single BSC 1006/BTS 1008pair (base station) or a system of BSC/BTS pairs that are part of alarger network. BSS 1004 is responsible for communicating with MS 1002and may support one or more cells. BSS 1004 is responsible for handlingcellular traffic and signaling between MS 1002 and a core network 1010.Typically, BSS 1004 performs functions that include, but are not limitedto, digital conversion of speech channels, allocation of channels tomobile devices, paging, or transmission/reception of cellular signals.

Additionally, MS 1002 may communicate wirelessly with RNS 1012. RNS 1012contains a Radio Network Controller (RNC) 1014 and one or more Nodes B1016. RNS 1012 may support one or more cells. RNS 1012 may also includeone or more RNC 1014/Node B 1016 pairs or alternatively a single RNC1014 may manage multiple Nodes B 1016. RNS 1012 is responsible forcommunicating with MS 1002 in its geographically defined area. RNC 1014is responsible for controlling Nodes B 1016 that are connected to it andis a control element in a UMTS radio access network. RNC 1014 performsfunctions such as, but not limited to, load control, packet scheduling,handover control, security functions, or controlling MS 1002 access tocore network 1010.

An E-UTRA Network (E-UTRAN) 1018 is a RAN that provides wireless datacommunications for MS 1002 and UE 1024. E-UTRAN 1018 provides higherdata rates than traditional UMTS. It is part of the LTE upgrade formobile networks, and later releases meet the requirements of theInternational Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Advanced and are commonlyknown as a 4G networks. E-UTRAN 1018 may include of series of logicalnetwork components such as E-UTRAN Node B (eNB) 1020 and E-UTRAN Node B(eNB) 1022. E-UTRAN 1018 may contain one or more eNBs. User equipment(UE) 1024 may be any mobile device capable of connecting to E-UTRAN 1018including, but not limited to, a personal computer, laptop, mobiledevice, wireless router, or other device capable of wirelessconnectivity to E-UTRAN 1018. The improved performance of the E-UTRAN1018 relative to a typical UMTS network allows for increased bandwidth,spectral efficiency, and functionality including, but not limited to,voice, high-speed applications, large data transfer or IPTV, while stillallowing for full mobility.

Typically MS 1002 may communicate with any or all of BSS 1004, RNS 1012,or E-UTRAN 1018. In a illustrative system, each of BSS 1004, RNS 1012,and E-UTRAN 1018 may provide MS 1002 with access to core network 1010.Core network 1010 may include of a series of devices that route data andcommunications between end users. Core network 1010 may provide networkservice functions to users in the circuit switched (CS) domain or thepacket switched (PS) domain. The CS domain refers to connections inwhich dedicated network resources are allocated at the time ofconnection establishment and then released when the connection isterminated. The PS domain refers to communications and data transfersthat make use of autonomous groupings of bits called packets. Eachpacket may be routed, manipulated, processed or handled independently ofall other packets in the PS domain and does not require dedicatednetwork resources.

The circuit-switched MGW function (CS-MGW) 1026 is part of core network1010, and interacts with VLR/MSC server 1028 and GMSC server 1030 inorder to facilitate core network 1010 resource control in the CS domain.Functions of CS-MGW 1026 include, but are not limited to, mediaconversion, bearer control, payload processing or other mobile networkprocessing such as handover or anchoring. CS-MGW 1026 may receiveconnections to MS 1002 through BSS 1004 or RNS 1012.

SGSN 1032 stores subscriber data regarding MS 1002 in order tofacilitate network functionality. SGSN 1032 may store subscriptioninformation such as, but not limited to, the IMSI, temporary identities,or PDP addresses. SGSN 1032 may also store location information such as,but not limited to, GGSN address for each GGSN 1034 where an active PDPexists. GGSN 1034 may implement a location register function to storesubscriber data it receives from SGSN 1032 such as subscription orlocation information.

Serving gateway (S-GW) 1036 is an interface which provides connectivitybetween E-UTRAN 1018 and core network 1010. Functions of S-GW 1036include, but are not limited to, packet routing, packet forwarding,transport level packet processing, or user plane mobility anchoring forinter-network mobility. PCRF 1038 uses information gathered from P-GW1036, as well as other sources, to make applicable policy and chargingdecisions related to data flows, network resources or other networkadministration functions. PDN gateway (PDN-GW) 1040 may provideuser-to-services connectivity functionality including, but not limitedto, GPRS/EPC network anchoring, bearer session anchoring and control, orIP address allocation for PS domain connections.

HSS 1042 is a database for user information and stores subscription dataregarding MS 1002 or UE 1024 for handling calls or data sessions.Networks may contain one HSS 1042 or more if additional resources arerequired. Example data stored by HSS 1042 include, but is not limitedto, user identification, numbering or addressing information, securityinformation, or location information. HSS 1042 may also provide call orsession establishment procedures in both the PS and CS domains.

VLR/MSC Server 1028 provides user location functionality. When MS 1002enters a new network location, it begins a registration procedure. A MSCserver for that location transfers the location information to the VLRfor the area. A VLR and MSC server may be located in the same computingenvironment, as is shown by VLR/MSC server 1028, or alternatively may belocated in separate computing environments. A VLR may contain, but isnot limited to, user information such as the IMSI, the Temporary MobileStation Identity (TMSI), the Local Mobile Station Identity (LMSI), thelast known location of the mobile station, or the SGSN where the mobilestation was previously registered. The MSC server may containinformation such as, but not limited to, procedures for MS 1002registration or procedures for handover of MS 1002 to a differentsection of core network 1010. GMSC server 1030 may serve as a connectionto alternate GMSC servers for other MSs in larger networks.

EIR 1044 is a logical element which may store the IMEI for MS 1002. Userequipment may be classified as either “white listed” or “black listed”depending on its status in the network. If MS 1002 is stolen and put touse by an unauthorized user, it may be registered as “black listed” inEIR 1044, preventing its use on the network. A MME 1046 is a controlnode which may track MS 1002 or UE 1024 if the devices are idle.Additional functionality may include the ability of MME 1046 to contactidle MS 1002 or UE 1024 if retransmission of a previous session isrequired.

As described herein, a telecommunications system wherein management andcontrol utilizing a software designed network (SDN) and a simple IP arebased, at least in part, on user equipment, may provide a wirelessmanagement and control framework that enables common wireless managementand control, such as mobility management, radio resource management,QoS, load balancing, etc., across many wireless technologies, e.g. LTE,Wi-Fi, and future 5G access technologies; decoupling the mobilitycontrol from data planes to let them evolve and scale independently;reducing network state maintained in the network based on user equipmenttypes to reduce network cost and allow massive scale; shortening cycletime and improving network upgradability; flexibility in creatingend-to-end services based on types of user equipment and applications,thus improve customer experience; or improving user equipment powerefficiency and battery life—especially for simple M2M devices—throughenhanced wireless management.

As described herein, virtual machines (VMs) can be isolated softwarecontainers, operating independent of other virtual machines. Suchisolation can assist in realizing virtual-machine-based virtualenvironments that can execute applications and provide services withavailability, flexibility, and security, in some cases, surpassing thoseon traditional, non-virtualized systems. Virtual machines canencapsulate a complete set of virtual hardware resources, including anoperating system and all its applications, inside a software package.Encapsulation can make virtual machines quite portable and manageable.Indeed, virtual machines can be hardware-independent, and can beportably provisioned and deployed on one of multiple different computingdevices, operating systems, and environments. Indeed, depending on theavailability of computing devices within a cloud environment (e.g.,server 104) a particular VM 105 may be provisioned on any one (ormultiple) of the devices included in a cloud environment.

In some instances, a virtual machine manager, or hypervisor, may beprovided in connection with a cloud computing system (or other systemhosting virtual infrastructure). Virtual machine managers may beimplemented as software- or hardware-based tools used in thevirtualization of hardware assets on one or more host computing devices(e.g., server). A virtual machine manager may be used to run multiplevirtual machines, including virtual machines with different guestoperating systems, on one or more host computers. The virtual machinemanager may provide a shared virtual operating platform for multiplevirtual appliances and guest operating systems and enable a plurality ofdifferent virtual machines (and guest operating systems) to beinstantiated and run on computing devices and hardware hosting virtualinfrastructure. Further, virtual machine managers, in some instances maybe run natively, or as “bare metal,” directly on host computing devices'hardware to control the hardware and to manage virtual machinesprovisioned on the host devices. In other instances, “hosted” virtualmachine managers may be provided that is run within the operating systemof another host machine, including conventional operating systemenvironments. Although virtual machine is discussed, the methods systemsare applicable to applications in more than one operating systemenvironment. Lastly, virtual component can be programmed to performapplication specific functions that may be associated withmicrocontroller, sensor, motors, actuators, lighting, or radio frequencyidentification (RFID).

While examples of a telecommunications system in which overloadconditions can be processed and managed have been described inconnection with various computing devices/processors, the underlyingconcepts may be applied to any computing device, processor, or systemcapable of facilitating various networks. The various techniquesdescribed herein may be implemented in connection with hardware orsoftware or, where appropriate, with a combination of both. Thus, themethods and devices may take the form of program code (i.e.,instructions) embodied in concrete, tangible, storage media having aconcrete, tangible, physical structure. Examples of tangible storagemedia include floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, hard drives, or any othertangible machine-readable storage medium (computer-readable storagemedium). Thus, a computer-readable storage medium is not a signal. Acomputer-readable storage medium is not a transient signal. Further, acomputer-readable storage medium is not a propagating signal. Acomputer-readable storage medium as described herein is an article ofmanufacture. When the program code is loaded into and executed by amachine, such as a computer, the machine becomes a device fortelecommunications. In the case of program code execution onprogrammable computers, the computing device will generally include aprocessor, a storage medium readable by the processor (includingvolatile or nonvolatile memory or storage elements), at least one inputdevice, and at least one output device. The program(s) can beimplemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. The languagecan be a compiled or interpreted language, and may be combined withhardware implementations.

The methods and devices associated with a network and underlyingtelecommunications system as described herein also may be practiced viacommunications embodied in the form of program code that is transmittedover some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring orcabling, through fiber optics, or via any other form of transmission,wherein, when the program code is received and loaded into and executedby a machine, such as an EPROM, a gate array, a programmable logicdevice (PLD), a client computer, or the like, the machine becomes andevice for implementing telecommunications as described herein. Whenimplemented on a general-purpose processor, the program code combineswith the processor to provide a unique device that operates to invokethe functionality of a telecommunications system.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A method for optimizing group communication services, the methodcomprising instantiating an adaptive homing tool as a virtual networkfunction, the adaptive homing tool communicating with a centralizeddatabase in a multiple region telecommunications network, storing a useridentification for plural group members in the database, when a servicerequest is made by at least one group member that has moved outside ofconnectivity with a group home application server which provides thecontrol and group call services with all the group user mediaconnections connected to, receiving group member location data for theplural group members in real time, assigning a group control applicationserver to at least one group member when a group member initiates aservice request, wherein the common service tool assigns the groupapplication control server based on a factor including at least one ofthe priority data, group member location data, least network resourcesused, best path performance, shortest path performance, and quality ofservice.

Example 2

The method of example 1, wherein the step of assigning includes: whenthe group member is in a centralized site, assigning the group controlapplication server within the centralized site as the home applicationserver for the group member.

Example 3

The method of example 1 wherein the step of assigning includes: when thegroup member is distributed across multiple sites, assigning the groupcontrol server within a static geographical location of the group memberas a visiting application server for the group member.

Example 4

The method of example 1, wherein the step of assigning includes when amajority of group members within a group are moving to plural visitingsites, assigning all of the group members to the group controlapplication server of one of the plural visiting sites as a new homeapplication server.

Example 5

The method of example 4, wherein the step of assigning includesdetermining the latency for signaling and media path to reach each ofthe plural visiting sites, and assigning the group members to the one ofthe plural visiting sites having the lowest latency as the new homeapplication server.

Example 6

The method of example 1 wherein the step of assigning includes when thegroup members are moving to different sites, assigning each group memberto a visiting application server based on the current geographicallocation of each group member.

Example 7

A network device comprising a process, a memory coupled with theprocessor, and an input/output device, the memory comprising executableinstructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor toeffectuate operations comprising: instantiating an adaptive homing toolas a virtual network function, the adaptive homing tool communicatingwith a centralized database in a multiple region telecommunicationsnetwork; storing a user identification for each of plural group membersin the database; when a service request is made by at least one groupmember that has moved outside of connectivity with a group home server,receiving group member location data for the plural group members inreal time; assigning a group control application server to at least onegroup member when a group member initiates a service request; whereinthe common service tool assigns the group application control serverbased on a factor including at least one of the priority data, groupmember location data, least network resources used, best pathperformance, shortest path performance, and quality of service.

Example 8

The network device of example 7, wherein the step of assigning includes:when the group member is in a centralized site, assigning the groupcontrol application server within the centralized site as the homeapplication server for the group member.

Example 9

The network device of example 7 wherein the step of assigning includes:when the group member is distributed across multiple sites, assigningthe group control server within a static geographical location of thegroup member as a visiting application server for the group member.

Example 10

The network device of example 7, wherein the step of assigning includeswhen a majority of group members within a group are moving to pluralvisiting sites, assigning all of the group members to the group controlapplication server of one of the plural visiting sites as a new homeapplication server.

Example 11

The network device of example 10, wherein the step of assigning includesdetermining the latency for each of the plural visiting sites, andassigning the group members to the one of the plural visiting siteshaving the lowest latency.

Example 12

The network device of example 7 wherein the step of assigning includeswhen the group members are moving to different sites, dynamicallyassigning each group member to a visiting application server based onthe geographical location of each group member for a session at a time.

Example 13

The network device of example 7 wherein the factor further includes thepriority data of the communication, and an application server site wheremost of the priority users reside is the new home application serversite.

Example 14

The system of example 7, wherein the factor includes a network resourceconsumption status for which, when part of the network is congested, thenew home application server can be assigned to the group controlapplication server in an immediate adjacent area which is not congestedor has better performance.

Example 15

A global communications optimization system comprising a multiple regiontelecommunications network including plural application servers; atleast one user device assigned to a group, the group being associatedwith a home server that is one of the plural application servers basedon a static geographic location for the group; a central databaseconnected to the plural applications servers configured to store a userdevice information including at least one of a user location and serviceinformation wherein the plural application servers are configured toreport user location information to the central database in real time;an adaptive homing tool communicating with the central database, theadaptive homing tool configured to assign a group control server for atleast one user device when the real time user information indicates thatthe at least one device is associated with one of the plural applicationservers other than the home server.

Example 16

The system of example 15, wherein adaptive homing tool is configured toassign the group to the group control server when the real time userlocation information indicates that a majority of the at least one userin the group is communicating with one of the plural application serversother than the home server.

Example 17

The system of example 16, wherein the adaptive homing tool is configuredto determine the latency for each of the at least one user based on thereal time user location and associated application server, wherein thegroup location server is the one of the plural application servershaving the lowest latency.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for optimizing group communicationservices, the method comprising: instantiating an adaptive homing toolas a virtual network function, the adaptive homing tool communicatingwith a centralized database in a multiple region telecommunicationsnetwork; storing a user identification for plural group members in thecentralized database; when a service request is made by at least onegroup member that has moved outside of connectivity with a homeapplication server which provides control and group call services withall group user media connections connected to, receiving group memberlocation data for the plural group members in real time; and assigning agroup control application server to the at least one group member when agroup member initiates a service request; wherein the adaptive homingtool assigns the group application control server based on a factorincluding at least one of: priority data, group member location data,least network resources used, best path performance, shortest pathperformance, and quality of service.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe step of assigning includes: when the at least one group member is ina centralized site, assigning the group control application serverwithin the centralized site as the home application server for the atleast one group member.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the step ofassigning includes: when the at least one group member is distributedacross multiple sites, assigning the group application control serverwithin a static geographical location of the at least one group memberas a visiting application server for the at least one group member. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the step of assigning includes when amajority of group members within a group are moving to plural visitingsites, assigning all of the group members to the group controlapplication server of one of the plural visiting sites as a new homeapplication server.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step ofassigning includes determining a latency for signaling and media path toreach each of the plural visiting sites, and assigning the group membersto the one of the plural visiting sites having a lowest latency as thenew home application server.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the stepof assigning includes when the group members are moving to differentsites, assigning each group member to a visiting application serverbased on a current geographical location of each group member.
 7. Anetwork device comprising a processor, a memory coupled with theprocessor, and an input/output device, the memory comprising executableinstructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor toeffectuate operations comprising: instantiating an adaptive homing toolas a virtual network function, the adaptive homing tool communicatingwith a centralized database in a multiple region telecommunicationsnetwork; storing a user identification for each of plural group membersin the centralized database; when a service request is made by at leastone group member that has moved outside of connectivity with a grouphome server, receiving group member location data for the plural groupmembers in real time; and assigning a group control application serverto at least one group member when a group member initiates a servicerequest; wherein the adaptive homing tool assigns the group applicationcontrol server based on a factor including at least one of: prioritydata, group member location data, least network resources used, bestpath performance, shortest path performance, and quality of service. 8.The network device of claim 7, wherein the step of assigning includes:when the at least one group member is in a centralized site, assigningthe group control application server within the centralized site as ahome application server for the at least one group member.
 9. Thenetwork device of claim 7 wherein the step of assigning includes: whenthe at least one group member is distributed across multiple sites,assigning the group application control server within a staticgeographical location of the at least one group member as a visitingapplication server for the at least one group member.
 10. The networkdevice of claim 7, wherein the step of assigning includes when amajority of group members within a group are moving to plural visitingsites, assigning all the plural group members to the group controlapplication server of one of the plural visiting sites as a new homeapplication server.
 11. The network device of claim 10, wherein the stepof assigning includes determining a latency for each of the pluralvisiting sites, and assigning the group members to the one of the pluralvisiting sites having the lowest latency.
 12. The network device ofclaim 7 wherein the step of assigning includes when the group membersare moving to different sites, dynamically assigning each group memberto a visiting application server based on a geographical location ofeach group member for a session at a time.
 13. The network device ofclaim 7 wherein the factor further includes the priority data of thecommunication, and an application server site where most of the priorityusers reside is a new home application server site.
 14. The networkdevice of claim 7 wherein the factor includes a network resourceconsumption status for which, when part of the network is congested, anew home application server can be assigned to the group controlapplication server in an immediate adjacent area which is not congestedor has better performance.
 15. A global communications optimizationsystem comprising: a multiple region telecommunications networkincluding plural application servers; at least one user device assignedto a group, the group being associated with a home server that is one ofthe plural application servers based on a static geographic location forthe group; a central database connected to the plural applicationsservers configured to store a user device information including at leastone of a user location and service information wherein the pluralapplication servers are configured to report user location informationto the central database in real time; and an adaptive homing toolcommunicating with the central database, the adaptive homing toolconfigured to assign a group application control server for at least oneuser device when real time user location information indicates that atleast one device is associated with one of the plural applicationservers other than the home server.
 16. The system of claim 15, whereinadaptive homing tool is configured to assign the group to the groupapplication control server when the real time user location informationindicates that a majority of the at least one user in the group iscommunicating with one of the plural application servers other than thehome server.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the adaptive homingtool is configured to determine a latency for each of the at least oneuser based on the real time user location and associated applicationserver, wherein the group control server is the one of the pluralapplication servers having the lowest latency.